Psychiatry

2010 Match Data

Although U.S. medical school seniors are readily able to match into psychiatry, the top tier residency programs are quite competitive. Osteopathic and international medical graduate applicants also fill a considerable number of residency positions in the NRMP Match. Both groups are considered independent applicants. In 2010, 55.6% of independent applicants failed to match. Osteopathic applicants may also apply for positions in 12 AOA-approved psychiatry residency programs.

Why pursue Psychiatry as a Career?

Psychiatrists discuss reasons why they chose to pursue a career in the field:

James Amos, MD
Robin Kopelman, MD
Anita Chu, MD

2010 Psychiatry Compensation/Salary

Find out how much a psychiatrist makes

Excelling in your Psychiatry Clerkship

Our book, Success on the Wards: 250 Rules for Clerkship Success, has an extensive chapter that will prepare you for this clerkship. Read pages 9 and 10 of the first chapter for more information.



See how our book has helped others.

Psychiatry Clerkship: 150 Biggest Mistakes And How To Avoid Them


Psychiatry Residency Application

Almost all residency programs require applicants to submit their completed application through the Electronic Residency Application Service, also known as ERAS. ERAS does not, however, allow applicants to submit their curriculum vitae or CV as part of this application. Instead, ERAS requires all applicants to transfer information from their CV to the ERAS Application Form. It is the ERAS Application Form that is then sent to programs for review along with the the rest of your application.

Once the application is received, program directors will read it closely and carefully. The application will be used to assess the quality of your written communication skills. Programs place considerable emphasis on communication skills because effective communication has been shown to directly affect the quality of care given to patients.

Therefore, it is imperative that all information in your application is well communicated and error-free. In our experiences reviewing and editing applications, errors are common.

We have considerable experience reviewing and editing the ERAS Application Form can make sure that your application is polished, professional, and powerful.

Our ERAS Application Review/Editing Service can be purchased through our online store. All clients will work directly with Dr. Samir Desai, author of The Successful Match.


Subspecialties of Psychiatry

Subspecialties in which psychiatrists can pursue fellowship training leading to board certification include addiction psychiatry, child & adolescent psychiatry, clinical neurophysiology, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, hospice and palliative medicine, pain management, psychosomatic medicine, and sleep medicine.

Important Information for the Aspiring Psychiatrist